Biological minerals found in living organisms have distinct functions and properties arising from the microstructure, orientation and morphology of the constituent minerals. Taking as inspiration the hierarchically microstructure found in some seashells, this presentation explores for the first time, the development and the efficacy of a nacre-like hybrid material as innovative treatments for stone heritage preservation. Specifically, we employ charged polymeric additives that form polymer induced liquid precursors to mimic the formation of calcium carbonate (CaCO<sub>3</sub>) in the nacre of seashells. The role of different types of chitosan and cellulose as the organic part of the nacre-like hybrid materials for controlling the microstructure of mineralized layers have been studied. Special emphasis was given to the changes of the layers from hydrophilic to hydrophobic through the surface modification of the organic constituents of the coatings. Moreover, the use of additives (acidic macromolecules) has been evaluated so as for obtaining structural control of the layers. Their effectiveness evaluation as stone preservation treatments has been carried out on marble lithotypes. The hardness and modulus of the surface coatings over stone substrates were studied in depth to understand the mechanisms that control the fracture of multi-layered biomimetic materials at the nanoscale by using nano-indentation measurements. Because the fracture toughness and mechanical properties of materials can be dramatically enhanced on the nanoscale, these findings show a real potential to be adapted and applied as high-performance stone conservation treatments. This strategy could also be extended to the design of multifunctional coatings relevant for another range of materials applications.

Bioinspired nacre-like composites as innovative materials for the preservation of stone heritage

Macromolecular Chemistry: The Second Century

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ACS Spring 2020 National Meeting & Expo

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.